England U21 4-0 France U21: Noni Madueke destroys France with a goal and two assists

There was something Max Aarons said a few days ago about how England’s Under 21s go about doing themselves justice at this summer’s European Championship.

For them, it is not about ability – because any squad they take is always packed full of that – but the mentality not to allow matches just like this slip away from them. 

Aarons stopped short of criticising past teams, including the one consigned to group stage embarrassment two years ago, but clearly this group know where things can improve.

So France, a very good France, were exactly the sort of opposition Lee Carsley wanted in the final window before he announces the travelling party for Romania and Georgia. 

England could not find their rhythm for long spells against top opposition yet remained in the contest. The scoreline’s eventual size, running riot late on, spoke to a determination. They did the hard work early and flourished for it later on.

Noni Madueke made a massive impact as a second half sub and was named player of the match

The Chelsea attacker scored once and laid on two assists in England U21’s 4-0 win over France

Liverpool’s Curtis Jones added England’s third goal in an impressive display by the team 

That is now consecutive victories over two teams in pot one, albeit the win over Germany was way back in September. There were things about the performance that Carsley will want to alter yet the resilience – even for a friendly – will impress him. That Emile Smith Rowe scored on his first start for club or country since June was a particular bonus. So too a major contribution by Noni Madueke from the bench.

Initially, France were slick, certainly slicker than their hosts. Quicker out of possession and more progressive with it, especially when breaking from midfield. James Trafford completed a superb stop to deny Rayan Cherki when he swapped passes with the bright Matthis Abline. Trafford, on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Manchester City, smartly tipped over Manu Kone’s vicious effort.

There have been interesting developments on the goalkeeping front. Carsley’s undisputed No 1 has been Joe Bursik before he lost his place at Stoke City, then switched to Club Brugge in January.

Bursik has not played competitively since November and found himself dropped from this squad which, three months out from a major tournament, is more than a little eyebrow-raising. Even more so when England picked four keepers.

‘Joe is not out of the picture, he’s just not in this camp,’ Carsley said. ‘He was disappointed. The four here are playing week in, week out.’

England struggled to penetrate, their only chance before the break a Cameron Archer volley from Djed Spence’s deflected cross. Smith Rowe then burst into life five minutes after the restart.

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe opened the scoring for Lee Carsley’s England side 

The win will give England’s youngsters a huge boost going into the Euros this summer 

There was more energy, Oliver Skipp pouncing on Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile’s lapse ball to turn France over, finding Morgan Gibbs-White in a half space. Smith Rowe ghosted between defenders and nodded in the cross.

Smith Rowe got through 66 minutes, an important milestone for England, who are using these two matches – with Croatia to come on Tuesday – to inject some match sharpness into somebody who they need to make an impact at the Euros.

Hardly an ideal state of affairs but chances at Arsenal are limited. The same can be said for Curtis Jones, who was introduced as a false nine as England attempted to control their lead before ultimately thrashing France.

The second came with 13 minutes remaining. Bundling through, Jones had the presence of mind not to take a pot shot and found Madueke instead. The Chelsea winger flashed into Lucas Chevalier’s far corner.

The pair combined seconds later, Madueke crossing for Jones and the Liverpool youngster’s impish backheel added gloss before Jacob Ramsey fancied some of that, latching onto Madueke’s through ball.